RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IN NIGERIA

MEANING-This is a theory of justice that places emphasis on repairing the harm caused or revealed by criminal behavior. It is a process of resolving crime by focusing on redressing the harm done to the victim .

AIMS OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

• Heals victims wounds

• Restores offenders to law abiding lives

• Repairs harm done in inter personal relationships and the community

• It seeks to involve all stakeholders and provide opportunities for those most affected by the crime to be directly involved

EXAMPLES OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAMS

1. Victim/ offendermediation

2. Family group conferencing

3. Sentencing circles

4. Consensus based decision making

5. Victim/offender reconciliation Panels.

AT WHAT STAGE CAN INTERVENTION BE MADE

1. Police investigation

2. Prosecution level

3. Court level

4. Sentencing level

NOTE-S.347-348 ACJL- introduction of community service as a form of punishment for convicted offenders who have been tried summarily in lieu of sentence or fine.